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 Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Scope of this Product Comparison


This Product Comparison covers high-power (≥15-watt [W]) surgical diode lasers—solid-state lasers that use
either aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) as the laser medium. For
information on low-power diode lasers, see the Product Comparison titled Lasers, Ophthalmic. Other surgical
lasers and related products are covered in the following Product Comparisons:
 Lasers, Carbon Dioxide, Surgical/Dermatologic
 Lasers, Ho:YAG, Surgical
 Lasers, Nd:YAG, Surgical
 Smoke Evacuation Systems, Surgical

These devices are also called: surgical lasers.

Purpose
High-power surgical diode lasers are used to cut or vaporize soft tissue with
hemostasis and to photocoagulate soft tissue in surgical specialties such as general
surgery, gastroenterology, gynecology, neurology, otorhinolaryngology, plastic
surgery, and urology. Typical diode laser wavelengths between 800-900 nm have a
high absorption rate for hemoglobin and therefore these units are a good choice for
procedures requiring hemostasis, like laparoscopic cholecystectomy, treatment of
gastrointestinal bleeding, endometrial ablation, tumor removal (e.g., esophageal,
spinal), uvulopalatoplasty, and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (e.g.,
visually assisted laser ablation of the prostate).
At lower power settings, surgical diode lasers have been used for interstitial laser photocoagulation—a
minimally invasive technique for tumor destruction—and various tissue-welding applications.

Principles of operation
A typical surgical diode laser is a stand-alone tabletop or wall-mounted unit with a connector port for a
fiberoptic delivery system. A high-power surgical diode laser generates light energy (e.g., 15 to 60 W) using an
array of semiconductor diodes. Each diode emits laser light (e.g., 0.5 to
5 W) from the layer containing the active medium as electrical current
passes through it. The aggregate laser energy emitted from the UMDNS Information
individual diode chips is either collimated by a lens and focused onto
This Product Comparison covers the
an optical fiber (e.g., by an additional lens) or gathered by and directly following device term and product code as
coupled to a fiberoptic delivery system before it is conveyed to the listed in ECRI Institute’s Universal Medical
Device Nomenclature System™
treatment site. (UMDNS™):
Lasers, Diode, Surgical [18-183]

5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA  Tel +1 (610) 825-6000  Fax +1 (610) 834-1275  Web www.ecri.org  E-mail hpcs@ecri.org
Lasers, Diode, Surgical

The specific wavelength of emitted light is determined by the semiconductor material used as the active
medium. Current high-power surgical diode lasers use either AlGaAs, which emits light at a nominal wavelength
of 810 nanometers (nm), or InGaAs, which emits light at a nominal wavelength of 980 nm. These wavelengths can
be changed slightly (i.e., tuned) by the manufacturer by adding aluminum or indium, depending on the type of
laser.
Depending on the application or desired tissue effect—heating, water vaporization, or ablation of tissue
solids—laser energy can be delivered in continuous-wave (CW), single-pulse, or repeat-pulse treatment modes. In
CW mode, energy is emitted without interruption during the period of activation. Most units allow this exposure
duration (e.g., 10 to 3,600 sec) to be set using a countdown function. In single-pulse mode, a continuous beam is
delivered for a short pulse duration (width) (e.g., 0.1 to 9.9 sec). In repeat-pulse mode, a series of single pulses is
emitted at a specific pulse interval.
Surgical diode lasers require an aiming beam to verify precise treatment delivery because the near-infrared
beam is invisible. Most devices use a separate low-power (3 to 5 mW) diode laser to generate this visible laser
beam. Diode aiming lasers are available in a variety of colors—red, orange, yellow, or green. Red lasers were
traditionally used for aiming lasers; however, green beams have garnered recent attention because some perceive
them as brighter and having more visibility in the blood-filled surgical area.

Fiberoptic delivery system


Diode laser energy is conveyed to the treatment site via a disposable or
reusable fiberoptic delivery system consisting of a handpiece and a flexible
fiber. These fibers generally have a silica core with an outer cladding and
protective sheath and a standard SMA-905 connector at the machine end; they
are typically available in core sizes of 400, 600, and 1,000 µm. Use of the 1,000
µm fibers may be required at higher power levels (e.g., 50 to 60 W), but these
fibers may not be flexible enough to easily insert through the accessory channel
of a flexible endoscope. Some systems require use of delivery fibers with a low-
hydroxyl material or a high numeric aperture for effective energy transmission.
For contact procedures, fibers with sculpted quartz tips of various shapes
and sizes are used to incise, excise, coagulate, and vaporize soft tissue. Conical-
tip fibers typically have a tip size of about 300 µm and are used for precise
cutting and vaporization with hemostasis. Ball-tip fibers generally have a tip
size of about 800 to 3,000 µm and are used for wide incisions or vaporization of large tissue surfaces with
hemostasis. One manufacturer offers a tissue-temperature-control system that uses disposable thermocouples and
a reusable thermistor probe to monitor tissue heating in long, relatively low-power procedures such as
endometrial ablation.
For noncontact (i.e., free-beam) applications, bare or side-firing fibers are used to vaporize and coagulate soft
tissue. Using a reflector and a lens at the fiber tip, side-firing fibers direct a divergent laser beam of circular or
elliptical cross-section toward the tissue at an exit angle of about 90°. These fibers are for single use, as are most
handpieces used with them.
Because surgical diode lasers convert electrical energy to optical energy at an efficiency of 30% to 50%, they do
not require use of water- or gas-cooling systems; air cooling with a fan is sufficient to dissipate the heat generated
(electrical energy that is not converted to optical energy is dissipated as heat). The lasers typically weigh less than
23 kg (50 lb), fit easily on a desktop, rolling stand, or cart and operate on 110/220 VAC supply circuit.
Surgical diode lasers are microprocessor controlled and typically display power levels and other treatment
parameters.

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Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Reported problems
The smoke generated during laser surgery (smoke plume) when treating malignancies such as human
papillomavirus has the potential to transmit certain pathogens. There is also a risk of releasing mutagens and
carcinogens into the air, including benzene and formaldehyde, in concentrations that may exceed federal
standards. Smoke plume from vaporized tissue is composed of water vapor (95% or more), cell fragments, toxic
chemical by-products such as benzene and toluene, and potentially infectious microorganisms and emits noxious
odors and gases. If not evacuated, the potentially hazardous particulates and gases can become airborne and
deposit in the respiratory tracts of the surgical team, causing lacrimation, nausea, abdominal cramping, and
vomiting. The type of surgical instrument, the characteristics of the tissue, and the surgeon’s technique all affect
the quantity and characteristics of the smoke plume.
While the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no specific standards regarding the use of
smoke evacuators, the American National Standards Institute recommends using portable smoke evacuators
equipped with activated carbon filters, high-efficiency particulate-air filters, and/or ultralow-penetration air
filters during most laser surgeries. The American Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine recommends that
surgeons consider all vaporized tissue infectious and therefore use high-suction smoke evacuators in all laser
surgeries. (See the Product Comparison titled Smoke Evacuation Systems, Surgical for more information.)
As with all surgical lasers, safety precautions must be taken during diode laser use to minimize patient and
staff exposure to laser radiation risks. The units are typically provided with visual signals and/or audible tones to
indicate laser activation. Laser safety eyewear with sufficient optical density at a given wavelength should be
worn by all personnel in the area where the laser is in operation. Additionally, personnel should lower window
shades, close procedure room doors, and post warning signage outside the room while the laser is in service to
prevent inadvertent injury to bystanders outside.
Fire is a risk, particularly during laser surgery in the area of the head and neck; a number of incidents have
been reported. Laser irradiation can ignite a surgical drape or other material (e.g., dressings), human fat, or bowel
gas. These risks can be reduced by operator training and careful attention to protocols and procedures.

Purchase considerations
ECRI Institute recommendations
Included in the accompanying comparison chart are ECRI Institute’s recommendations for minimum
performance requirements for surgical diode lasers. No single laser is appropriate for all surgical applications;
therefore, healthcare facilities should identify the types of lasers that will meet the needs of their surgical
departments.
Possibly the most important specifications to consider are power output and exposure time. ECRI Institute
recommends that lasers have a maximum power of ≥15 W and the ability to produce a 0.1 to 9.9 sec single and
repeat pulse.

Other considerations
Surgical diode lasers are very reliable—the diodes have been reported to last for 10,000 to 25,000 hours of use.
These lasers are nearly maintenance-free because they have no mirrors or other internal components to adjust and
are air cooled. Their minimal maintenance requirements may contribute to significant cost savings over time.
Fiber prices, which typically include the handpiece, vary from $50 to approximately $300, depending on type.
Most fibers are designed to be used for only one surgical procedure.
With an increasing awareness of prostate screening and detection of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and
other urologic conditions, surgical diode lasers (as well as other lasers used for BPH, such as 532 nm "green light"

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 3


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

YAG units) may see increased adoption. At least one supplier offers a program in which laser units are provided
to the facility for treatment of BPH at no cost under an agreement for a certain monthly purchase of single-use
delivery fibers. This type of consumables-only purchasing agreement can help facilities (particularly smaller
practices and physician offices) provide laser therapy for BPH.
Surgical diode lasers are less expensive than other comparable surgical lasers, and the cost is expected to
decrease further as semiconductor laser diodes become less expensive over the next few years. This lower cost,
combined with their other advantages, makes diode lasers attractive for use in physician offices and other
outpatient settings and as replacements for functionally equivalent lasers that have reached the end of their useful
life.
In-service training in laser operation is typically provided by the manufacturer; however, in some cases, there
may be a charge for this training.
Environmental considerations include fiber recycling services and/or take-back or trade-in programs. If a
supplier does not offer such an arrangement, the hospital must absorb the costs of disposing of the system
according to local environmental protection laws when it is replaced.

Stage of development
Diode lasers designed for medical applications have been available for nearly 20 years. Initial systems used
single-emitter diode lasers that limited their output power levels to <5 W. These low-power devices were used
primarily for photocoagulating ocular tissue during ophthalmic procedures. Higher-output-power (e.g., 15 to 60
W) surgical diode lasers using diode arrays have been available since 1992, and the clinical application base for
these lasers has expanded rapidly.
Researchers are currently developing a diode laser that allows surgeons enhanced energy dose control to
minimize carbonization and inadvertent damage to surrounding tissues. Although it is not currently available for
clinical use, the laser allows clinicians to manipulate the length of the time the laser energy is activated or idle in
the pulse treatment mode. In other words, users can select long pauses between exposures to allow the tissue to
cool between energy bursts. The developers are also investigating how different treatment parameters affect
different tissue types.
Because of the advantages (i.e., 110/220 VAC air-cooled operation, small size, portability, efficiency, reliability,
low maintenance requirements, and relatively low cost) of surgical diode lasers over competing technologies,
their use is expected to increase.

Bibliography
Anvari B, Motamedi M, Pow-Sang M, et al. Application of a high power diode laser (810 nm) for treatment of
benign prostatic hyperplasia: theoretical and experimental analysis. Proc SPIE 1994;2129:76-83.
Arons IJ. FDA breathes life back into laser BPH market. Med Laser Rep 1995 Dec;9(12):1-3.
The outlook for diode lasers in medicine. Proc SPIE 1994;2131:374-5.
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Recommended practices for laser safety in practice
settings. In: 2008 Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver (CO):AORN;2008.
Bhatta KM. Lasers in urology. Lasers Surg Med 1995;16(4):312-30.
Bhatta N, Isaacson K, Bhatta KM, et al. Comparative study of different laser systems. Fertil Steril 1994
Apr;61(4):581-91.
Depuy CG, Hwang CJ, Benenati D, et al. High power diode laser system near 1 µm and comparative tissue
interaction studies. SPIE Biomed Optics 1994:2131-43.

4 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

ECRI. Surgical diode lasers [technology overview]. Health Devices 1998 Mar:27(3):84-92.
Geldi C, Bozkulak O, Tabakoglu HO, et al. Development of a surgical diode-laser system: controlling the mode of
operation. Photomed Laser Surg 2006 Dec;24(6):723-9.
Manni JG. High-power diode-based lasers for medical applications. Biophotonics Int 1997 Jan-Feb;4(1):40-6.
Pow-Sang M, Orihuela E, Motamedi M, et al. Thermocoagulation effect of diode laser radiation in the human
prostate: acute and chronic study. Urology 1995 May;45(5):790-4.
Sakr G, Watson GM, Lawrence W. The use of a semiconductor diode laser in laser prostatectomy. Proc SPIE
1996;2671:353-8.
Wezel F, Wendt-Nordahl G, Huck N, et al. New alternatives for laser vaporization of the prostate: experimental
evaluation of a 980-, 1,318- and 1,470-nm diode laser device. World J Urol 2010 Apr;28(2):181-6.

Supplier information
ANGIODYNAMICS
AngioDynamics Inc [199733]
603 Queensbury Ave
Queensbury, NY 12804
Phone: (518) 798-1215, (800) 772-6446 Fax: (518) 798-1360
Internet: http://www.angiodynamics.com
E-mail: info@angiodynamics.com

ARC LASER
ARC Laser GmbH [392734]
Bessemerstrasse 14
Nuremberg D-90411
Germany
Phone: 49 (911) 217790 Fax: 49 (911) 2177999
Internet: http://www.arclaser.de
E-mail: info@arclaser.de

ASAH
Asah Medico A/S [177056]
Valseholmen 11-13
Hvidovre DK-2650
Denmark
Phone: 45 36342300 Fax: 45 36342323
Internet: http://www.medart.dk
E-mail: asah-medico@asah.dk

ASCLEPION
Asclepion Laser Technologies GmbH [426724]
Brussler Strasse 10
Jena D-07747
Germany
Phone: 49 (3641) 7700100 Fax: 49 (3641) 7700102
Internet: http://www.asclepion.com
E-mail: info@asclepion.com

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Lasers, Diode, Surgical

BIOLITEC
biolitec AG [378489]
Winzerlaer Strasse 2a
Jena D-07745
Germany
Phone: 49 (3641) 508550 Fax: 49 (3641) 508599
Internet: http://www.biolitec.de
E-mail: info@biolitec.de

biolitec Inc [382747]


515 Shaker Rd
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Phone: (413) 525-0600, (800) 934-2377 Fax: (413) 525-0611
Internet: http://www.biolitec.com
E-mail: info@biolitec.com

biolitec (M) Sdn Bhd [382748]


No 18 Jalan PJS 7/21 Bandar Sunway
Petaling Jaya 46150
Malaysia
Phone: 60 (3) 7327128 Fax: 60 (3) 7380128
Internet: http://www.ceramoptec.com
E-mail: info@ceramoptec.de

DORNIER
Dornier MedTech America Inc [348944]
1155 Roberts Blvd
Kennesaw, GA 30144-3617
Phone: (770) 426-1315, (800) 367-6437 Fax: (770) 426-6115
Internet: http://www.dornier.com
E-mail: info@dornier.com

Dornier MedTech GmbH [139512]


Argelsrieder Feld 7
Wessling D-82234
Germany
Phone: 49 (8153) 888625 Fax: 49 (8153) 888444
Internet: http://www.dornier.com
E-mail: infoeurope@dornier.com

Dornier MedTech Asia Pte Ltd [188437]


2 Corporation Road #5-11/12 Corporation Place
Singapore 618494
Republic of Singapore
Phone: 65 66655788 Fax: 65 66656711
Internet: http://www.dornier.com
E-mail: infoasia@dornier.com

Dornier MedTech Italia srl [402649]


via Arrigo Cavaglieri 26
Roma I-00173
Italy
Phone: 39 (06) 7235289 Fax: 39 (02) 7235302

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Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Internet: http://www.dornier.com
E-mail: infoeurope@dornier.com

KLS MARTIN
Gebrueder Martin GmbH & Co KG A KLS Martin Group Co [159755]
Ludwigstaler Strasse 132
Tuttlingen D-78532
Germany
Phone: 49 (7461) 706227 Fax: 49 (7461) 706203
Internet: http://www.klsmartin.com
E-mail: sales1@klsmartin.com

KLS Martin LP [252779]


PO Box 50249
Jacksonville, FL 32250-0249
Phone: (904) 641-7746, (800) 625-1557 Fax: (904) 641-7378
Internet: http://www.klsmartinusa.com
E-mail: contact@klsmartin.com

LIMMER
Limmer Laser GmbH [158957]
Schwarzschildstrasse 1
Berlin D-12489
Germany
Phone: 49 (30) 63925570 Fax: 49 (30) 63925580
Internet: http://www.limmerlaser.de
E-mail: info@limmerlaser.de

MEDICAL ENERGY
Medical Energy Inc [106825]
8806 Paul Starr Dr
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone: (850) 476-8113, (800) 786-0137 Fax: (850) 469-1746
Internet: http://www.medicalenergy.com
E-mail: medenergy@aol.com

PHOTOMEDEX
PhotoMedex [401112]
147 Keystone Dr
Montgomeryville, PA 18936-9638
Phone: (215) 619-3600, (800) 366-4758 Fax: (215) 619-3208
Internet: http://www.photomedex.com
E-mail: info@photomedex.com

VECTRA
Convergent Laser Technologies [343481]
1660 S Loop Rd
Alameda, CA 94502
Phone: (510) 832-2130, (800) 848-8200 Fax: (510) 832-1600
Internet: http://www.convergentlaser.com
E-mail: sales@convergentlaser.com

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 7


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Note: The data in the charts derive from suppliers’ specifications and have not been verified through
independent testing by ECRI Institute or any other agency. Because test methods vary, different products’
specifications are not always comparable. Moreover, products and specifications are subject to frequent changes.
ECRI Institute is not responsible for the quality or validity of the information presented or for any adverse
consequences of acting on such information.
When reading the charts, keep in mind that, unless otherwise noted, the list price does not reflect supplier
discounts. And although we try to indicate which features and characteristics are standard and which are not,
some may be optional, at additional cost.
For those models whose prices were supplied to us in currencies other than U.S. dollars, we have also listed the
conversion to U.S. dollars to facilitate comparison among models. However, keep in mind that exchange rates change
often.

Need to know more?


For further information about the contents of this Product Comparison, contact the HPCS Hotline at +1 (610)
825-6000, ext. 5265; +1 (610) 834-1275 (fax); or hpcs@ecri.org (e-mail).

Last updated September 2010

8 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Policy Statement
The Healthcare Product Comparison System (HPCS) is published by ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization.
HPCS provides comprehensive information to help healthcare professionals select and purchase diagnostic and
therapeutic capital equipment more effectively in support of improved patient care.
The information in Product Comparisons comes from a number of sources: medical and biomedical
engineering literature, correspondence and discussion with manufacturers and distributors, specifications from
product literature, and ECRI Institute’s Problem Reporting System. While these data are reviewed by qualified
health professionals, they have not been tested by ECRI Institute’s clinical and engineering personnel and are
largely unconfirmed. The Healthcare Product Comparison System and ECRI Institute are not responsible for the
quality or validity of information derived from outside sources or for any adverse consequences of acting on such
information.
The appearance or listing of any item, or the use of a photograph thereof, in the Healthcare Product Comparison
System does not constitute the endorsement or approval of the product’s quality, performance, or value, or of
claims made for it by the manufacturer. The information and photographs published in Product Comparisons
appear at no charge to manufacturers.
Many of the words or model descriptions appearing in the Healthcare Product Comparison System are
proprietary names (e.g., trademarks), even though no reference to this fact may be made. The appearance of any
name without designation as proprietary should not be regarded as a representation that is not the subject of
proprietary rights.
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Product Comparison System accepts no advertising and has no obligations to any commercial interests. ECRI
Institute and its employees accept no royalties, gifts, finder’s fees, or commissions from the medical device
industry, nor do they own stock in medical device companies. Employees engage in no private consulting work
for the medical device industry.

About ECRI Institute


ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research
in healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As pioneers in this science for more than
40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based research.
More than 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide rely on ECRI Institute’s expertise in patient safety
improvement, risk and quality management, healthcare processes, devices, procedures, and drug technology.
ECRI Institute is one of only a handful of organizations designated as both a Collaborating Center of the World
Health Organization and an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality. For more information, visit http://www.ecri.org.

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 9


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ECRI INSTITUTE'S ANGIODYNAMICS ARC LASER ARC LASER


RECOMMENDED
SPECIFICATIONS1
Diode Surgical Lasers Delta ChiroLas FOX
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes No Yes
ENT Yes No Yes
Gastroenterology Yes No No
General Yes No Yes
Gynecology Yes No Yes
Head and neck Yes No Yes
Neurosurgery Coagulation only No Yes
Occuplastic Yes No No
Ophthalmologic Yes No Yes
Orthopedic Yes No Yes
Plastic Yes No Yes
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes No Yes
Urology Yes No No
Vascular Yes No Yes
MAXIMUM POWER, W ≥15 15, 30 20 11
WAVELENGTH, nm 810 808, 940, 980 808, 940, 980, 1,064
AIMING BEAM Red class 3R diode laser, Diode Diode
≤5 mW at port, wavelength
635-660 nm
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes
Single pulse, sec ≥0.1-9.9 Yes 0.002-0.75, continuous 0.001, continuous
Repeat pulse, sec ≥0.1-9.9 0.1-9.9 0.17-1, adjustable 0.04-1, adjustable, single
pulse
Countdown 10-3,200 sec No No
Exponential decay No No No
Linear decay No No No
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 200, 400, 600 and 600 thin 200, 300, 400, 600 200, 300, 400, 600
wall
Reusable/disposable Single-use disposable Yes/yes Yes/yes
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes, multiple tip Yes/yes Yes/yes
configurations
ACCESSORIES Handpieces spot size 2 mm Different handpieces, bare Different handpieces, bare
and 4 mm, marketing fibers, safety glasses fibers, safety glasses
support, safety glasses,
tumescent pump, patient
education, carry case
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 110-220 110, 10 A; 220, 5 A 100-260 V for battery
VAC charging
H x W x D, cm (in) 15 x 37.1 x 35.5 (5.9 x 14.6 27 x 18 x 47 (11 x 7 x 19) 12 x 21 x 10 (4.7 x 8.3 x 4)
x 12.8)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 12 (26.4) 12 (26.4) 1.2 (2.7)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

10 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ECRI INSTITUTE'S ANGIODYNAMICS ARC LASER ARC LASER


RECOMMENDED
SPECIFICATIONS1
Diode Surgical Lasers Delta ChiroLas FOX
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit $29,000-45,001 €18,000 (US$22,860) €8,500 (US$10,795)
Fibers $200-900 €25-250 (US$32-317) €25-250 (US$32-317)
Training included Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 3 years Not specified Not specified
Delivery time, ARO Not specified 4-6 weeks 2-4 weeks
Year first sold 1998 1998 2007
Number sold worldwide 4,000 Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year June to May Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS None specified. Portable; multiuse Battery powered; multiuse
capability. capability.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED September 2010 September 2010 September 2010
Supplier Footnotes 1These recommendations
are the opinions of ECRI
Institute's technology
experts. ECRI Institute
assumes no liability for
decisions made based on
this data.
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 11


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ASAH ASCLEPION ASCLEPION ASCLEPION


MedArt 426 : 435 : 480 : Quadrostar+ 532/810 Quadrostar+ 532/940 Quadrostar+ 532/980
481
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes Yes
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
ENT Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Gastroenterology Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
General Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Gynecology Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Head and neck Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Neurosurgery Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Occuplastic No Not specified Not specified Not specified
Ophthalmologic No Not specified Not specified Not specified
Orthopedic No Not specified Not specified Yes
Plastic Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Urology Yes Not specified Not specified Yes
Vascular Not specified Not specified Not specified Yes
MAXIMUM POWER, W 30 : 90 : 80 : 30 8; NIR: 25 8; NIR: 25 8; NIR: 25
WAVELENGTH, nm 810, 980 532, 810 532, 940 532, 980
AIMING BEAM Not specified 635 nm, <1 mW 635 nm, <1 mW 635 nm, <1 mW
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes Yes
Single pulse, sec 0.01-3, continuous 0.005-2.5 0.005-2.5 0.005-2.5
Repeat pulse, sec 0.01-3, continuous 0.005-2.5, maximum 100 0.005-2.5, maximum 100 0.005-2.5, maximum 100
Countdown No No No No
Exponential decay No No No No
Linear decay No No No No
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 600-1,000 300, 600 300, 600 300, 600
Reusable/disposable Not specified No/yes No/yes No/yes
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
ACCESSORIES Handpieces, scanner, skin Handpiece set, scanner, Handpiece set, scanner, Handpiece set, scanner,
cooling bare fibers with different bare fibers with different bare fiber with different
diameters, cannulae, eye diameters, cannulae, eye diameters, cannulae, eye
protection for patient, safety protection for patient, safety protection for patient, safety
goggles goggles goggles
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 100/240, 50/60 Hz 115/230 115/230 115/230
VAC
H x W x D, cm (in) 51.5 x 30 x 15 (20.3 x 11.8 41 x 43 x 21 (16 x 17 x 8) 41 x 43 x 21 (16 x 17 x 8) 41 x 43 x 21 (16 x 17 x 8)
x 5.9)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 13 (28.7) 18.5 (40) 18.5 (40) 18.5 (40)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

12 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ASAH ASCLEPION ASCLEPION ASCLEPION


MedArt 426 : 435 : 480 : Quadrostar+ 532/810 Quadrostar+ 532/940 Quadrostar+ 532/980
481
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fibers Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Training included Not specified Yes Yes Yes
Warranty Not specified 2 years 2 years 2 years
Delivery time, ARO Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Year first sold Not specified 2007 2007 2007
Number sold worldwide Not specified 7 27 10
Fiscal year Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Footswitch; quick safe- None specified. None specified. None specified.
connect fiber connection;
portable.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED April 2005 September 2010 September 2010 September 2010
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 13


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ASCLEPION BIOLITEC BIOLITEC BIOLITEC


Quadrostar+ 810 : 940 : 980 Ceralas D120 Ceralas D15 Ceralas D25
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes Yes
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
ENT Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Gastroenterology Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
General Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Gynecology Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Head and neck Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Neurosurgery Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Occuplastic Not specified No No No
Ophthalmologic Not specified No No No
Orthopedic Yes (980) No No No
Plastic Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Urology Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
Vascular Yes (980) Yes Yes Yes
MAXIMUM POWER, W 25 150 at tissue, distal end 15 at tissue, distal end 25 at tissue, distal end
WAVELENGTH, nm 810 : 940 : 980 980 ±30 980 ±30 980 ±30
AIMING BEAM 635 nm, <1 mW Not specified Not specified Not specified
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes Yes
Single pulse, sec 0.005-2.5 0.001-99.9 0.001-99.9 0.001-99.9
Repeat pulse, sec 0.005-2.5, maximum 100 Yes Yes Yes
Countdown No Yes Yes Yes
Exponential decay No Not specified Not specified Not specified
Linear decay No Not specified Not specified Not specified
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 300, 600 200, 400, 600, 1,000 200, 400, 600, 1,000 200, 400, 600, 1,000
Reusable/disposable No/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
ACCESSORIES Bare fiber with different Remote switch for warning Remote switch for warning Remote switch for warning
diameters, cannulae, eye light (laser in use), light (laser in use), light (laser in use),
protection for patient, safety micromanipulator micromanipulator micromanipulator
goggles attachment attachment attachment
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 115/230 110/220 (300 W) 110/220 (300 W) 110/220 (400 W)
VAC
H x W x D, cm (in) 41 x 43 x 21 (16 x 17 x 8) 30 x 60 x 30 (11.8 x 23.6 x 19 x 24 x 37 (7.5 x 9.5 x 19 x 24 x 37 (7.5 x 9.5 x
11.8) 14.6) 14.6)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 18.5 (40) 30 (66) 7.7 (17) 7.7 (17)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
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14 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ASCLEPION BIOLITEC BIOLITEC BIOLITEC


Quadrostar+ 810 : 940 : 980 Ceralas D120 Ceralas D15 Ceralas D25
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fibers Not specified $50-250 $50-250 $50-250
Training included Yes Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 2 years Not specified Not specified Not specified
Delivery time, ARO Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Year first sold 2007 Not specified Not specified Not specified
Number sold worldwide 0 : 1 : 22 Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS None specified. Power (W), performance, Power (W), performance, Power (W), performance,
and depth of penetration are and depth of penetration are and depth of penetration are
specified at tissue; specified at tissue; specified at tissue;
programmable in any programmable in any programmable in any
language. language. language.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED September 2010 February 2008 February 2008 February 2008
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 15


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL BIOLITEC BIOLITEC DORNIER DORNIER


Ceralas D50 Ceralas G Medilas D MultiBeam Medilas FlexiPulse
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes Yes
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes Yes Yes Yes
ENT Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gastroenterology Yes Yes Yes Yes
General Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gynecology Yes Yes Yes Yes
Head and neck Yes Yes No No
Neurosurgery Yes Yes No No
Occuplastic No Yes No No
Ophthalmologic No Yes No No
Orthopedic No Yes No No
Plastic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Urology Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vascular Yes No Not specified Not specified
MAXIMUM POWER, W 50 at tissue, distal end 5 60 120
WAVELENGTH, nm 980 ±30 532 940 940
AIMING BEAM Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes Yes
Single pulse, sec 0.001-99.9 0.05-5 0.01-10 0.01-10
Repeat pulse, sec Yes Yes Not specified Not specified
Countdown Yes Yes Yes Yes
Exponential decay Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Linear decay Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 200, 400, 600, 1,000 50, 200, 400, 1,000 400, 600 400, 600
Reusable/disposable Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
ACCESSORIES Remote switch for warning Remote switch for warning Safety goggles and glasses, Safety goggles and glasses,
light (laser in use), light (laser in use), warning sign, Angiospot, warning sign, AngioSpot
micromanipulator micromanipulator bare-tip fiber, stripper, and EpiSpot handpieces,
attachment attachment; optional slit scribe, manual bare-tip fiber
lamp adapter
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 110/220 (600 W) 110/240, 50/60 Hz (300 W) 100-240 100-240
VAC
H x W x D, cm (in) 19 x 42 x 37 (7.5 x 16.5 x 19 x 22 x 38 (7.5 x 8.7 x 20 x 36 x 40 (7.9 x 14.2 x 20 x 36 x 40 (7.9 x 14.2 x
14.6) 14.9) 15.7) 15.7)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 12 (26.4) 12 (26.4) 15 (33) 16 (35)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

16 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL BIOLITEC BIOLITEC DORNIER DORNIER


Ceralas D50 Ceralas G Medilas D MultiBeam Medilas FlexiPulse
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fibers $50-250 $50-250 Not specified Not specified
Training included Yes Yes Not specified Not specified
Warranty Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Delivery time, ARO Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Year first sold Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Number sold worldwide Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Power (W), performance, Portable handpieces for Used for treating spider and Used for treating spider and
and depth of penetration are ophthalmology; curved or varicose veins. varicose veins.
specified at tissue; straight handpieces for
programmable in any ENT.
language.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED February 2008 February 2008 September 2010 September 2010
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 17


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL KLS MARTIN LIMMER LIMMER LIMMER


Diomax DIOLAS 980 DIOLAS LFD 3000 DIOLAS LFD Advanced
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide except USA Not specified Not specified Not specified
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes Yes
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
ENT Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Gastroenterology Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
General Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Gynecology Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Head and neck Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Neurosurgery Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Occuplastic Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Ophthalmologic No Not specified Not specified Not specified
Orthopedic No Not specified Not specified Not specified
Plastic Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Urology Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Vascular Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
MAXIMUM POWER, W 20 15, 30, 50; 100 with 980 100 at tissue 210 at tissue
WAVELENGTH, nm 980 980, optional 810, 940 1,500 980
AIMING BEAM Light red, 635 nm 635 nm 635 nm 635 nm
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes, also repeat pulse and Yes, also repeat pulse and
LFD mode LFD mode
Single pulse, sec 0.005-10 0.02-5 Not specified Not specified
Repeat pulse, sec 0.005-10 0.02-5 Not specified Not specified
Countdown No No No No
Exponential decay Yes No No No
Linear decay No No No No
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 300, 400, 600 200, 320, 400, 600 200, 300, 400, 600 200, 300, 400, 600
Reusable/disposable No/yes Yes/no Yes/no Yes/no
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes Yes/not specified Yes/not specified Yes/not specified
ACCESSORIES Focusing handpiece, Contact fibers, warning Side fire and bare fire fibers, Side fire and bare fire fibers,
endovenous treatment sets lamp system, smoke warning lamp system, warning lamp system,
(spherical, radial, axial) evacuation system smoke evacuation system smoke evacuation system
(controllable via laser with (controllable via laser with
interlink cable), special interlink cable), special
handpieces handpieces
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 230, single-phase 230, 50/60 Hz, 10 A 230, 50/60 Hz, 16 A 230, 50/60 Hz, 16 A
VAC
H x W x D, cm (in) 107 x 50 x 59 (41.8 x 19.5 x 30 x 35 x 17 (12 x 14 x 7) 50 x 10 x 95 (19.7 x 3.9 x 50 x 10 x 95 (19.7 x 3.9 x
23.1) 37.4) 37.4)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 15 (33) Not specified 102 (225) 102 (225)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

18 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL KLS MARTIN LIMMER LIMMER LIMMER


Diomax DIOLAS 980 DIOLAS LFD 3000 DIOLAS LFD Advanced
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fibers Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Training included Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Warranty 2 years Not specified Not specified Not specified
Delivery time, ARO 6 weeks Not specified Not specified Not specified
Year first sold 2008 Not specified Not specified Not specified
Number sold worldwide Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS High pulse frequency for Memory for last 20 sets of Memory for last 99 sets of Memory for last 99 sets of
fine cutting, NA<0.2 for use parameters; other parameters; storable for parameters; sets storable
with fine fibers. wavelengths on request; statistical analysis; color for statistical analysis; other
portable system. LCD touch panel; other wavelengths on request;
wavelengths on request; portable system.
mobile system.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED September 2010 September 2010 September 2010 September 2010
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 19


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL MEDICAL ENERGY PHOTOMEDEX VECTRA VECTRA


GOLD LF-40 : GOLD LF- LaserPro 810 : LaserPro LiteTouch 1470 : 975 ProTouch 1470 : 975
120 940 : LaserPro 980
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
CE MARK (MDD) Submitted Yes Pending Pending
FDA 510(k) SURGICAL
APPLICATIONS
Dermatology Yes Yes Yes Yes
ENT Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gastroenterology Yes Yes Yes Yes
General Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gynecology Yes Yes Yes Yes
Head and neck Yes Yes Yes Yes
Neurosurgery Yes Yes Yes Yes
Occuplastic No Yes Yes Yes
Ophthalmologic No Yes Yes Yes
Orthopedic No Yes Yes Yes
Plastic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pulmonary/thoracic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Urology Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vascular Yes, for cardiovascular Yes Yes Yes
MAXIMUM POWER, W 40 : 120 15, 25 25, 50 : Not specified 80, 100 : 120, 160
WAVELENGTH, nm 960-1,000 810 : 940 : 980 1,470 : 975 1,470 : 975
AIMING BEAM HeNe Not specified Yes Yes
TREATMENT MODES
Continuous Yes Yes Yes Yes
Single pulse, sec Yes 0.05-99 0.1-1 0.1-1
Repeat pulse, sec Yes 0.05-99, 0.01-99 Not specified; 1-30 Hz, Not specified; 1-30 Hz,
superpulse 1-30 Hz superpulse 1-30 Hz
Countdown Not specified No Yes Yes
Exponential decay No No No No
Linear decay No No No No
FIBEROPTIC SYSTEM
Diameter, µm 600-1,000: 600-1,500 365-1,000 200-1,000 300-1,000
Reusable/disposable Disposable Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
Contact/noncontact Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes
ACCESSORIES Transport cart, roll stand, Stand-alone cooling system, Not specified Not specified
safety signs, manual, contact laser fiber delivery
protective eyewear systems, cart
POWER REQUIREMENTS, 110 or 220 V 100-240, 540 VA 115, 15 A 115, 15 A
VAC
H x W x D, cm (in) 14 x 35.6 x 35.6 (5.5 x 14 x 36 x 23 x 41 (14 x 9 x 16) 28 x 41 x 21 (11 x 16 x 8) 41 x 61 x 23 (16 x 24 x 13)
14)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 6.3 (14) 11.2 (24.5) 11.5 (25) 25 (55)

This is the first of two pages


covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

20 ©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.


Lasers, Diode, Surgical

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL MEDICAL ENERGY PHOTOMEDEX VECTRA VECTRA


GOLD LF-40 : GOLD LF- LaserPro 810 : LaserPro LiteTouch 1470 : 975 ProTouch 1470 : 975
120 940 : LaserPro 980
PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
List price
Unit $89,900 $30,000-39,000 Not specified Not specified
Fibers Not specified $190-262 Not specified Not specified
Training included Yes Not specified Yes Yes
Warranty 2 years, free PMs for life of 1 year 1 year 1 year
laser
Delivery time, ARO 30 days 2 weeks Not specified Not specified
Year first sold Not specified 2004 2010 2010
Number sold worldwide Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year Not specified January to December Not specified Not specified
GREEN FEATURES None specified None specified None specified None specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Autodiagnostic; phone- Open platform accepts Proprietary microprocessor Proprietary microprocessor
modem-repair capability; universal SMA 905 fibers. controlled user interface; controlled user interface;
touchscreen technology; ambient beam sensing; ambient beam sensing;
voice-activation technology; temperature control; temperature control;
wireless foot control; superpulse option; power superpulse option; power
contact/noncontact modulation display. modulation display.
treatment mode.
UMDNS CODE(S) 18183 18183 18183 18183
LAST UPDATED September 2010 September 2010 September 2010 September 2010
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2010 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved. 21

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